January's topic: Water Conservation and Sustainability

The Austin area has been in the grip of an epic drought for more than 7 years. While there has been some significant rainfall in the city during the last year and a half, rain has not fallen in the watersheds of the lakes in any manner to significantly increase lake storage. Austin’s water supply remains secure, but the drought has required dramatically increased conservation and drought response. 

Austin has been in Stage 2 Water Use Restrictions almost continuously since 2011.  These restrictions limit outdoor watering with spray irrigation to no more than once per week. While levels in the Highland Lakes have risen, the prolonged drought and ongoing water planning efforts have prompted Austin Water Utility to ask: Should once-per-week watering be “the new normal” in Austin? 

During January we want to hear your thoughts on water sustainability for our region. Do you believe conservation is the best way to ensure water for Austin’s future? Should Austin make the once-per-week watering limitation permanent? Are there other water restrictions that you feel should be changed? How have water restrictions personally affected you, or caused you to change? Who is impacted most?  Join the dialogue! 

When and where:
Join us at 8 a.m. Jan. 21st at Barrington Elementary School, 400 Cooper Drive.